This week, I met four new people—and all four thought being a windsurfing coach means lounging on a sunbed in boardshorts all summer, casually hopping on the water whenever the mood strikes. Hate to break it to you, but… nope

I’ve heard this misconception more times than I can count—ever since switching careers, and even before. So I think it’s time to talk about it.

Yes, windsurfing seems unusual to many. I get it. It’s not every day you see someone driving to the beach at 7am with boards strapped to the roof. But if you haven’t read my post on the windsurfing stoke, feel free to check it out. Because here’s the thing: how much do you really know about these people you label?

Yes, windsurfing seems out of the ordinary for most people. And it is. I understand it’s quite odd to see people with surfboards on the roof of their car driving in the opposite direction than you are on a windy morning, heading to the beach. If you haven’t read my previous post about then by all means do! But what do you know about these people, really?

We love categories. “Surfer.” “Doctor.” “Athlete.” “Trainer.” “CEO.” “Greek.” “Woman.” We use labels to make sense of people we meet. And based on a few experiences or one person we know, we fill in the blanks. I’ve done it too. But here’s the problem: when we see people only as roles, we miss who they are.

What does a woman who is a mother, doctor, and tennis player have in common with another who is a mother, journalist, and yoga instructor? Honestly? I couldn’t tell you unless I truly know them. Everyone’s life is more than a title. When you reduce someone to their job—or even their vibe—you miss the full story.

Here are a few things I’ve been told lately:
“Evi, you’re so lucky to work at the beach.”
“You must be windsurfing all day, sipping espresso and soaking up the sun!”
“I wish I had your life—it must be so easy compared to mine.”

Honestly? These comments make me a bit sad. They don’t come from curiosity. They come from assumptions. From someone glancing at my Instagram or Facebook, thinking they know what my life feels like.

Yes, I post about waves and good energy. But the reality? I get overwhelmed, tired, and often run on empty during the season. When I changed careers, I juggled beach work, gym coaching, studying for my personal training diploma, and now, Sports Science uni. I’ve had 3–4 Sundays off per year. If it’s sunny and windy, I’m working. Not relaxing.

Don’t get me wrong—I love what I do. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. But if you’re unhappy with parts of your own life, or thinking of a career change, don’t just look at someone else’s highlight reel. Get curious. Ask questions. Understand what the job actually involves—because it might not be what you think.

Many people wouldn’t want this lifestyle once they see the hustle, the uncertainty, and the lack of routine. It’s not for everyone. Some thrive in it. Others need structure, stability, or different forms of fulfillment. And that’s totally okay.

Not everyone is wired the same. Some people found the right path at 18. Some figured it out later. Some aren’t ready to change, and others don’t realise they can. But whatever stage you’re in, please stop falling in love with surface-level impressions of someone else’s life.

Don’t reduce people to job titles or curated profiles. The grass isn’t always greener—it’s just different grass, growing in different conditions.

If you’re curious about my career change—how it happened, what I learned, and what it really looks like—stay tuned. I’ll be sharing it in an upcoming post.

See you soon,
Evi